Previously reported by scientists to cause a reproductive defect in males that can lead to infertility, new research has found that bisphenol a (BPA) also endangers the reproductive abilities of women. The newly unleashed information reveals the negative side effects associated with BPA exposure regarding fertility, highlighting how BPA exposure in women can not only lead to reproductive issues but a potentially fatal infection.

The conditions are a result of BPA’s affect on the actual structure of the uterus. Once the reproductive organ is altered, women can develop something known as pyometra — the infection and inflammation of the uterus. Pyometra is usually found in animals like dogs and cats, but it can affect humans and becomes deadly if left untreated. The connection was found by exposing lab mice to different dietary levels of BPA in their food. The doses ranged from 4 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight to over 4,000. In addition to BPA levels, the mice were also given another endocrine disruptor — a semi-synthetic steroidal estrogen known as 17á-ethinyl estradiol (EE) in doses of one to over 150 kilograms.

The results of the study showed that at the BPA concentrations observed, there was a direct increase in the risk of pyometra development. The study was published on March 9, 2012 in the advance online edition of the Journal of Reproductive Toxicology. Principal investigator and professor in the department of pharmacology and cell biophysics Scott Belcher, PhD, explained:

“These results suggest that BPA enhances the immune responsiveness of the uterus and that the heightened responsiveness in the C57BL/6 strain of females is related to increased susceptibility to pyometra.”

The FDA is currently considering banning BPA from both food and personal care products following consumer outrage and court intervention. In addition, some mega corporations like Campbell’s are being forced to omit the substance from their products in response to consumer demand. BPA is present in many plastic food containers, personal care products, and plastic water bottles. The majority of these items often go through wear and tear as well as heat exposure which can increase your rate of BPA exposure. Thankfully, there are natural ways to combat BPA.